Fire Apparatus & Emergency Equipment Podcast

In this episode of Moving Water, Andy Soccodato and Bill Adkins share there experiences teaching a HOT class at FDIC International. They learned quickly that flexibility was key, and lessons learned include those from the attendees themselves.

Derek Zaremba, fire and EMS account manager, Whelen, joined Chris Mc Loone in this recent Podcast episode to discuss aspects of scene and warning lighting for fire apparatus. The discussion starts around the concept of dynamic variable intensity (DVI), which is a lighting pattern designed to adjust the flash intensity and rate depending on the situation. Zaremba explains that how DVI uses a smooth ramp-up and ramp-down flash pattern rather to create a calmer environment on scene. At night, this means lowering intensity and slowing flash rates so responders can see clearly without overwhelming glare. Regarding scene lighting, Zaremba explained the need for not only illuminating the entire fire scene, but also the area around the apparatus, including the front, sides, rear, and underneath—areas where firefighters exit, work, and retrieve equipment. Zaremba also provides guidance for what fire departments should consider when spec’ing lighting for their next fire apparatus purchases. He focuses on budget, warranty and technological advances, considering the lifespan of a fire apparatus is 20 years or longer. He also stresses the importance of integrating with OEMs early in the build can streamline wiring and placement.

In this episode of the Fire Apparatus & Emergency Equipment Podcast, Editor in Chief Chris Mc Loone discusses what he learned about the impact of 2027 engines on apparatus design, stock rigs, and how AI is starting to be used in the fire service to help with generating reports. Brought to you by our friends at https://www.thefirestore.com/.

In this episode of Talking Trucks, Chris Mc Loone and Ricky Riley tackle two topics: the importance of factory or dealer training when taking delivery of a new fire apparatus, the pros and cons of using social media to research your next rig, and what each is looking to learn at FDIC International 2026.

This episode of Moving Water addresses what is the reality for many fire departments across the United State: the necessity of keeping rigs 30-40 years old in front-line service. Andy Soccodato and Bill Adkins sit down with Chris Mc Loone to talk about factors these fire departments need to consider as their fire apparatus ages. Not everyone can afford NFPA compliance.

In this episode of the Fire Apparatus & Emergency Equipment Podcast, Chris Mc Loone discusses how FDIC education continues after the last classroom light is shut off and discusses some best practices for navigating the trade show floor. Brought to you by our friends at TheFireStore.com.

**Contribute by visiting https://www.firehero.org/whelen-challenge/** Partnering with the NFFF has emerged as a natural extension of Whelen’s mission. The foundation honors fallen firefighters and supports their families while promoting safety initiatives to reduce firefighter deaths and injuries. Guertin points out that the NFFF’s work—such as distributing over $500,000 annually in scholarships for children of fallen firefighters—makes a tangible difference. Supporting this cause aligns with Whelen’s goal to make firefighting as safe as possible, recognizing that protecting responders also means standing with their families during difficult times. Since late 2023, Whelen has run a giving initiative that donates $1 from every product sold to the NFFF and the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF). This program quietly channels consistent support from customers through their purchases. Whelen is using FDIC International as a focal point to significantly boost this effort. At FDIC International 2026, Whelen is matching all donations made via a specially designated QR code, up to $50,000, with the goal of raising $100,000 for the NFFF that week alone. This matching campaign doubles the impact of individual contributions and encourages wider participation. If you cannot make it to FDIC International 2026, you can still contribute by visiting https://www.firehero.org/whelen-challenge/ If you’re at the show, look for the QR code at Whelen’s booth (3219) of the NFFF booth (8828) in Lucas Oil Stadium.

In this Episode of The Apparatus Workshop, Deputy Chief Zach Smith with the Syracuse (NY) Fire Department joins Nick Wilbur and Win Slauch to review NFPA 1900, the new apparatus standard that has been in effect since 2024, and with which fire apparatus coming off the line are now complying. Their talk highlights technical complexities, committee involvement, and practical advice for departments navigating these changes.

In this episode of the FAMA Forum, industry leaders Jason Witmier (FAMA president), Larry Daniels (director at large), and Adam Graves (marketing committee chair) joined Chris McLoone to provide an update on fire apparatus production conditions, supply chain challenges, labor issues, and upcoming events, including FDIC International and the Fire Apparatus Symposium.

New EPA engine rules for 2027 are forcing changes for fire apparatus. Apparatus builders are scrambling to fit additional aftertreatment components and bigger alternators into tight cab real estate. In this episode Chris Mc Loone and Ricky Riley walk listeners through practical steps departments should take now: put engines on order to avoid disappearing pre‑2027 inventory; demand granular CAD details from manufacturers (clear doghouse height/width, alternator voltage, under‑frame sit‑height, DEF canister placement); budget higher motor and parts costs into a maintenance “bank”; and expand parts inventories for multiple OEM DEF/alternator platforms to reduce out‑of‑service time.

Electric vehicle (EV) fires have reshaped firefighting tactics and challenged departments nationwide. This Fire Apparatus & Emergency Equipment Podcast featuring Buddy Hayes and Matt Faden of Turtle Fire dives into these challenges with insights from frontline firefighters from the Jersey City (NJ) Fire Department. Their invention—the Turtle Low-Profile Nozzle—addresses the unique hazards EV fires present, especially in confined or structurally sensitive environments.

In the latest episode of Moving Water, with Andy Soccodato and Bill Adkins discuss water tank specifications, sharing insights relevant for both urban and rural departments. Whether urban or rural, careful consideration of tank size relative to tactics, rig design, driver skill, and local infrastructure makes all the difference between arriving ill-equipped or ready for action.

There are a number of lawsuits that are getting attention from the press with at least one being a class action. But, before you jump on board, look at what the end game is and if that end game will actually get you your rig faster. Try to connect the dots. It might not be that easy.

Chris Mc Loone recently sat down with Chris Watkins, technology sales manager for Whelen, to discuss the evolution and impact of intelligently controlled emergency vehicle lighting. The conversation offers a look at how modern technology is transforming the way emergency responders use lighting—not just for visibility, but also for safety and efficiency. Here are three key takeaways from their detailed discussion.

In this episode of the Apparatus Workshop, hosts Nick Wilbur and Win Slauch discuss setting the stage for the preengineering and the final inspection. This means requesting very specific information from your chosen manufacturer like turning radius reports as well as being very specific about angles of approach and departure. They also discuss how customization does not necessarily mean increased complexity. There are minor tweaks that can be made to a design that improve things like turning radius and angles of approach and departure. Clear communication with manufacturers, an eye for detail, and keeping operational realities front and center can save departments from costly design oversights. From requesting precise turning radius measurements to understanding electrical and aerial load demands, the discussion underscores that the difference between a good rig and a great rig often lies in the questions asked early and the numbers tracked consistently.

Leadership and culture are discussed in many fire service circles today, and understandably so. Every fire department has its own challenges recruiting and retaining, but they often go beyond leadership and culture. If the desire to be a firefighter is not there, then leadership and culture don't matter. And while leadership and culture are critical, what often creates great culture is the pride we take in quickly and efficiently extinguishing fires. If we are not proficient with our equipment--fire apparatus, hoselines, PPE, SCBA--we cannot quickly and efficiently extinguish fires. That proficiency occurs when we continuously drill on our tactics. Leadership and culture are two keys critical to the success for any fire department, but at the end of the day, you have to put the fire out.

Purchasing modular fire apparatus allows fire departments to acquire new fire apparatus quicker and often at a lower cost than taking the custom route. In this Podcast episode, Deputy Chief Adam Chiles, White Cloud (MI) Area Fire-Rescue; Chief Dan Munsey, San Bernadino (CA) County Fire; and Chief of Training William Andrews, Chattanooga (TN) Fire Department share their recent experiences purchasing stock rigs for their departments. Brought to you by our friends at the REV Fire Group.

Chris Mc Loone and Ricky Riley have talked about how to navigate the current apparatus purchasing environment, how to spec rigs, etc. But in this episode, they discuss what's on their wishlists for fire apparatus.

This episode of Moving Water covers cold weather challenges that require foresight, solid apparatus design, and deliberate training. Andy Soccodato and Bill Adkins make it clear that keeping water moving, protecting vulnerable components, and understanding vehicle mobility in winter conditions are the pillars of reliable firefighting when temperatures drop below freezing.

In this episode of the Fire Apparatus & Emergency Equipment Podcast, Chris Mc Loone sits down with John Sestrom, product manager at Whelen Engineering, to discuss getting more value out of the lighting you spec on your apparatus, how to measure visibility and what measurements really matter, and what Whelen is doing to address challenges that exist with “white lighting” for fire trucks. They’ll touch on how to put light where it matters and what departments should look for when selecting lights for their next rigs. Learn about how determining the application for the light actually drives lighting selection.

In this Podcast episode, Chris Mc Loone shares his thoughts for departments planning new fire apparatus orders during 2026. He highlights the upcoming 2027 EPA engine regulations requiring new aftertreatment systems that will affect the design of pumpers, aerials, and rescue trucks—specifically impacting compartments behind the pump panel and possibly the cab layout—urging fire departments to engage manufacturers early to understand these changes and avoid surprises during build. He also suggests reviewing NFPA 1900 requirements for seating and to be proactive in data collection.   Brought to you by our friends at the REV Fire Group.

From oversized pumps and foam capacity to aerial waterway innovations and collaborative mutual aid, industrial rigs represent a specialized firefighting approach tailored to high-hazard, large-scale incidents. Municipal departments that coexist with industrial targets can benefit immensely by understanding these capabilities and limitations.  Brought to you by our friends at the REV Fire Group.

Firefighting foam technology represents a key element of the evolving fire service toolkit—one poised for broader integration in coming years. Modern fluorine-free foams address critical environmental concerns while maintaining or even improving firefighting effectiveness. Their deployment promises not only tactical advantages on the fireground but greater protection of property and community health. Join Chris Mc Loone and Kurt Becker, chief operating officer, Solberg, the firefighting foam division of Perimeter Solutions, as they discuss firefighting foam technology, foam’s advantages for structural firefighting, and resources at Perimeter Solutions learn about foam.

This episode of the Apparatus Workshop serves as a primer on fire apparatus compartments. Whether building a new rescue engine, aerial, or squad, understanding compartment dimensions, equipment needs, and collaboration with stakeholders is critical to creating a functional and durable fire apparatus that serve the department well for years to come. Brought to you by our friends at the REV Fire Group.

Antique rig and vintage fire station preservation collide in this episode of Talking Trucks with Chris Mc Loone, Ricky Riley, and Firefighter Jason Lloyd as they explore Harrisburg's (PA) Allison Hook & Ladder Co. No. 2 and its B-Model Mack tractor-drawn aerial. Brought to you by our friends at The REV Group.

In this Podcast episode, Chris Mc Loone speaks with Jesse Moy, Senior VP of Sales at Groves, Inc., discuss now NFPA 1850 is changing the way departments approach PPE cleaning and decon, how departments can design or upgrade their decon facilities, the importance of science-based decontamination products, and how technology and education will continue to shape firefighter health and wellness initiatives across departments.

This episode of FEMSA Focus features Peter Askey, president of FEMSA, and Todd Herring, vice president of product innovation at Fire-Dex. Askey and Herring join Chris Mc Loone to discuss NFPA 1950, its origins, FEMSA tools for caring for PPE, and how the fire service can participate in the standard development process. Brought to you by our friends at Rescue Intellitech.

In the latest Apparatus Workshop episode, Nick Wilbur and Win Slauch reviewed previous Podcast topics and discussed how to get 2026 started off right. Brought to you by our friends at Rescue Intellitech.

In this episode of FAMA Forum, Chris Mc Loone discusses the inaugural FAMA Fire Apparatus Design Symposium with Jason Witmier, who provides the organizer's perspective, and Assistant Chief of Operations Ray Fuiten, Green Bay Metro Fire Department, who provides an attendee's perspective. Learn about this year’s event, next year’s event, why Chief Fuiten decided to attend, and advice for people who might be on the fence for next year.

In this episode, Andy Soccodato share lessons learned from their training experiences during 2025. The discussion touched numerous practical aspects of water supply, pumping operations, and apparatus setup within diverse firefighting environments. For a deep dive into water supply operations and apparatus setups drawn from across the country, this podcast remains a valuable resource to bookmark and share among pump operators and water supply officers alike. Brought to you by our friends at Rescue Intellitech.

In this episode of Talking Trucks, Chris Mc Loone sat down with fire service veteran Ricky Riley to discuss the NFPA 1900 standard, particularly the recommendations governing fire apparatus service lives. The conversation tackled the practicality of the “15/25 year rule” — that is, retiring rigs from frontline service at 15 years and fully from service by 25 — amid today’s fiscal and operational realities as well as fire apparatus reliability. Brought to you by our friends at Rescue Intellitech.

In this episode of the Fire Apparatus and Emergency Equipment podcast, host Chris McLoone shared his thoughts on apparatus reliability and the replacement timelines NFPA 1900 recommends. His reflections touched on real-world operational challenges and financial constraints that departments face nationwide. Brought to you by our friends at Rescue Intellitech and TheFireStore.

This episode of the Apparatus Workshop Podcast focuses on reserve fire apparatus and how to spec rigs to reduce out of service time and help fleets survive the current market trend. Join Nick Wilbur, Win Slauch, and Tom Shand for this discussion on ensuring your new rigs are spec'd out to stay in service so you don't have to rely on your reserve fleet. Brought to you our friends at Rescue Intellitech and TheFireStore.

In this episode of Moving Water, Chris Mc Loone, Andy Soccodato, and Bill Adkins discuss preventive maintenance on water delivery equipment. From manifold appliances and nozzles to intake valves and tanker dump valves, the conversation lays out practical advice for keeping your apparatus fully operational. Brought to you our friends at Rescue Intellitech and TheFireStore.com.

In this episode of Talking Trucks, Chris Mc Loone sits down with Ricky Riley to break down the complexities of heavy rescue truck design. They explore fundamental decisions that fire departments face—crew cab configurations, walk-in versus walk-through bodies, and single versus tandem axles—highlighting how equipment types and mission requirements shape these choices. The conversation delves into customization of compartments, weighing the benefits of tailored tool storage against the risks of over-specialization, especially given the evolving nature of rescue gear. They also tackle modern trends like battery-powered cordless tools and question the necessity of traditional generators. Drawing on real-world experience and on-the-ground insights, Ricky offers practical advice for departments aiming to build durable, mission-focused rigs that balance innovation with adaptability.

In the realm of fire apparatus specification, one of the most important things to get right, yet one of the most difficult to understand sometimes, is lighting. Firefighters are well accustomed to understanding gallons per minute and pounds per square inch, but lux and lumens are not always terms easily understood, nor is understanding the nuances of getting a scene light, for example, to shine light where you think it will. Along the way there are numerous types of lights, among them silicone lighting; National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) compliance; and writing the specs themselves. But, companies like SoundOff Signal offer support when specifying the lighting on your next rig.  View this Podcast at: https://youtu.be/b19uCcyGISI.

The engine and apparatus manufacturers can offer more information on what to expect for EPA-compliant engines scheduled for 2027. Every apparatus manufacturer could have different approaches to working around new engine configurations. Here's information you should ask your manufacturers for. Brought to you by our friends at Rescue Intellitech and TheFireStore.

In a recent episode of the Fire Apparatus and Emergency Equipment podcast, Chris Mc Loone sat down with Safe Fleet’s Director of Education and Technology, Jason Witmier, to discuss the educational resources Safe Fleet provides for the fire service. The program includes tools and programs designed to improve firefighter knowledge and operational safety. The goal is education first—helping firefighters understand how nozzles, pumps, foam systems, lighting, and other apparatus components actually function in real fireground scenarios.

During this episode of Talking Trucks, the conversation between Chris Mc Loone and Ricky Riley focused on whether or not there has been a shift toward building more practical fire apparatus in recent years, even before the current apparatus purchasing atmosphere. Brought to you by our friends at Rescue Intellitech and The Fire Store.

In this episode of the Fire Apparatus and Emergency Equipment Podcast, Chris Mc Loone sat down with Jamie Little, director of market development at Rescue Intellitech. Their discussion covered the company’s approach to firefighter gear cleaning and decontamination, the health risks firefighters face, and the role of modern cleaning technology in reducing exposure to toxins. While technology is critical, Little emphasized that firefighter behavior remains the biggest challenge to exposure reduction. He admitted firefighters often delay cleaning their gear due to turnaround time or underestimating contamination extent—especially after seemingly minor calls. But he warned that even kitchen fires can produce the dirtiest chemical residues. Learn about Rescue Intellitech and the cleaning technology available to reduce your firefighters' exposure to contaminants in this episode of our Podcast.

In this episode of FEMSA Focus, David Durstine and Dave Russell, both on the joint FAMA/FEMSA Government Affairs Committee (GAC), provide an update on how the Government shutdown will impact programs like the AFG program and entities like the USFA and NFA. They both express the importance of engaging with your Congressional representatives and senators as well as provide ways firefighters can get involved and how to speak with one, unified voice. Brought to you by our friends at Rescue Intellitech and The FireStore.

Fire departments across the country constantly balance operational needs, community safety, and budget realities. One critical factor often influencing these decisions is the Insurance Services Office (ISO) Public Protection Classification (PPC) rating. This episode covers ISO criteria, its relationship with fire apparatus specifications, and practical guidance to help fire chiefs and apparatus officers make informed decisions that optimize both ISO scores and operational effectiveness. Brought to you by our friends at Rescue Intellitech and The FireStore. 

Thermal imaging technology has transformed firefighting tactics over the past decades, enhancing firefighters’ abilities to detect heat signatures invisible to the naked eye. While thermal imagers are commonly associated with search and rescue or fire attack, their role in overhaul is equally critical. Manfred Kihn, discusses how firefighters should use thermal imagers during overhaul operations in this episode of TIC Talk. Brought to you by our friends at Bullard (https://www.bullard.com/thermal-imaging/)

In Inside Fire Facilities, Chris Mc Loone sits down with Zach Willard, general manager of Fire Facilities, to discuss the critical role of live fire training towers in firefighter preparedness. Fire Facilities has manufactured steel live fire training towers for over 35 years, pioneering innovations that have shaped firefighter training nationwide. For more information, visit www.firefacilities.com.

In this episode of EVT Talk, brought to you by our friends at Rescue Intellitech, Chris Mc Loone sits down with Kevin Roberts, president of the Emergency Vehicle Technician Certification Commission (EVTCC), at the annual Fire Truck Training Conference (FTTC) in Lansing, Michigan, to discuss the evolving landscape of emergency vehicle technician (EVT) training, the critical role of hands-on gatherings, and the cautious but practical integration of AI in education.  Brought to you by our friends at Rescue Intellitech.

In this episode of FEMSA Focus, Chris Mc Loone speaks with extrication tool manufacturer executives Shelly Elliott, President for North America at Holmatro and Emilie Maheu, President of AMKUS. They discuss challenges for manufacturers, challenges for the fire service, and what's on the horizon for future extrication tool design. Brought to you by our friends at Rescue Intellitech.

In the latest episode of the Moving Water podcast from Fire Apparatus and Emergency Equipment, Andy Soccodato and Bill Adkins dive deep into the intricacies of fireground water supply, focusing on appliances, manifolds, and intake considerations. Brought to you by our friends at Rescue Intellitech: www.rescueintellitech.com 

Chris Mc Loone and FAMA Vice President Jason Witmier discuss a new fire service education event designed to help fire departments specify their fire apparatus.

The latest episode of The Apparatus Workshop, hosted by Nick Wilbur and Win Slauch, offers an in-depth look at what happens after a new fire apparatus rolls off the factory floor. While some might assume the job of a spec committee ends at delivery, this discussion reveals the complex, ongoing process involving final inspections, operational training, and maintenance planning that extends well beyond delivery day.

In this episode of TIC Talk, Chris Mc Loone and Manfred Kihn discussed a fundamental but often misunderstood aspect of firefighting technology: temperature measurement using thermal imagers. Despite advances in thermal imaging, many firefighters still grapple with correctly interpreting the information these tools provide, especially the temperature readouts that can influence critical decisions on the fireground.